Have you ever done a search on the internet hoping to find someone like the late “Ed Warren” and you Get someone like “Aleister Crowley”?
(This can happen even when you seek “Demonology” course material too beware!)
Part of the problem is the term “Demonologist” can mean different things.
Consider there IS a GRAVE difference between ones who conjures demons, and ones who seek to rebuke them.
It is a professional courtesy to be clear as to what you do, and who you really are. Rather than to tag “Demonologist” and let people assume.
But here we let you define those who tag themselves as “demonologist”, by the knowledge, practices, habits, affiliations… etc.
1) STUDENT DEMONOLOGIST – One who studies a form “demonology”, is a novice or apprentice of a form of Demonology. A “Demonologist” in the field, is not “one who merely studies them”, avoid taking on such titles as to not confuse people. “Apprentice Demonologist”, “Student Demonologist”, and “Student of Demonology” for example are appropriate labels. The ‘prefix’ is key so as to not confuse the ‘learner’ with the “Veterans”, and people who are considered to be top names, and experts in the field. The mainstream public will contact a guy calling himself a “demonologist” not realizing he/she is merely a “student”, “in training”, who is NOT a well seasoned Veteran, and is unduly wearing that label.
People are being mislead and confused.
2) DEMONOLOGY HISTORIAN – A historian, or a “scholar” on the topic. The historian is more the engineer” not apply the knowledge to practical application and solution.
Where #6 and #7 are the “Technicians”, encompassing both knowledge and practical application and problem solving. – Dr. William Bradshaw ph.d, could also be rightfully called a “Historian Demonologist.” My Father Gerald retired form the field work when I was in third Grade
3) BIBLICAL DEMONOLOGIST –
Typically those of Protestant Denominations – This is one who has primarily learned from the KJV Bible as their source of information on “Demons” – This knowledge applies more towards “Spiritual warfare” in temptation stages. Controversially, they often share a belief that “all ghost are demons”, which they cite is scripturally based, although it is not shared with their catholic and orthodox brothers and others. Such individuals often go on to study separately under a “Historian”, and “Religious demonologist”, or a “Catholic or Christian Demonologist”. As to better understand the process of and the ‘legwork’ relating to ‘field investigations’ for cases of paranormal activity, in potential hauntings, infestations and possessions. This is essential because the bible is vague about many facts in spiritual warfare. Many “Biblical Demonologist” also consider themselves an “Exorcist” by default, typically this is more common with individuals who do not belong to a valid and organized (larger) Denomination of faith. As an “Independent” Christian Denomination, it is easy to award oneself such titles without an overseer or church hierarchy, as they are their own ‘Bishop’ or ‘Pope’ and can do what they please…
For those of the Catholic/Orthodox – Along with their Orthodox bibles, this is also including “Sacred tradition”, and the writings of the Saints for their resources. And such individual are considered by the church as a “spiritual warfare ‘counselor”, or a “Spiritual warfare specialist” if they only work to educate the people. They do not use the word “Demonologist”.
John Labriola, Author of “Onward Catholic Solder” Is an example
4) NECROMANCER – Well as you know, this is one who conjures demons to do their own bidding, the black arts practitioners, etc.. This is the more common definition for “demonologist” prior to the introduction of the title “demonologist” into the mainstream before 1990 in reference to a “Ghost Buster”.
5) “SOLOMONITES” – Be especially aware of people teaching this material in their “Demonology course”! OK “Solomonities is my own word for them but, these are ones whom consider the Gnostic text The “Keys of Solomon”, as legit, and expect to do work in spiritual warfare calling demons to do battle against demons. Anything with the likes of “Aleister Crowley”, or “Goetia” associated with it is to be avoid. And are considered as #4, as “Necromancers”. Fans and followers of the book by Michael Laimo. “These Demonologists”, are not “Who ya gonna call”? or want to call… There is a certain level of ignorance in people learning this Demonology from the perspective of the enemy. Yet they believe it applies to Exorcism and Deliverance. Wrong!
“A house divided against itself cannot stand,”” -Abraham Lincoln/Matthew 12:25
“How can Satan drive out Satan?” Jesus (Matthew 12:25-rwefering to exorcism)
“You can not appease one demon, and expect to rebuke another”
The big note about these “Types” are they some of them think they are doing “The Work” from God, but they are really doing it from the perspective of the enemy.
6) RELIGIOUS DEMONOLOGIST – This is the more mainstream title people expect in a “demonologist”. This specific one is the title Gerald Brittle created to describe the unique work that the late Ed Warren did for his book “The Demonologist”. Ed, who was a “Roman Catholic”, wore many hats, as he was an investigator, Parapsychologist, Ghostologist, Demonologist, and was also skilled in interviewing the victims and witnesses. But he also was known to occasionally do house “cleansings” (i.e. forms of “deliverance”). And practice a controversial tactic known as “religious provocation” in order to gather needed evidence to justify a church approved Exorcism. This title more so has passed with Ed’s departure in 2006, however some individuals now tend to use “Religious demonologist” to make them “Non-denomination” Christian. A “Religious Demonologist” typically covers all aspects up to, but not including the actual Deliverance/Exorcism. This is where they then typically enlist in the proper personal, in clergy.
7) Denominational – Specific to a particular faith or legit / organized and known denomination working directly through their church and coming from a perspective related to that faith/denomination. (i.e. “Christian Demonologist”, “Roman Catholic Demonologist”) This individual may or may not also practice what is considered “Religious Demonology” as #6, or merely be an adviser for “demonology” and such related info. Or it may be an embodiment of all 5 of the types listed here. Which does includes #1, because for everyone, the ‘studies never cease’. I have not found that any other of the larger known denominations have practiced using this word “demonologist” prior to 1980. That is, until it became more popular in the mainstream. I think they avoided it as to not be associated with the “Necromancer”, or “Solomonites”, and rightfully so…
a) Roman Catholic Demonologist – All though they might handle cases abroad, the prefix dictates they are under the authority of the church doctrine of their Roman Catholic church and magistrate (i.e. Bishop). (Which means they will not be using “sage”, conducting 3am séances or using other practices against church teachings) It is assumed by default such individuals are somehow recognized by their local diocese in the least their own parish church, although it may not be publicly. The Roman Catholic Demonologist, is what a Religious demonologist is and more. Since he can still move forward in performing to a “deliverance” or (aka minor exorcism) over a person, place or thing. Then they will go to enlist in specially appointed Catholic Clergy “Exorcist”, to take the baton as it is needed. This is usually when it is determined that a higher church authority is needed or the “Roman Ritual” will best serve the situation. Also it is imperative that “Catholic demonologist” need to understand ALL Christian denominations, as to be more effective and to not limit the client based to only the “choir”. NOTE: Currently there is still NO official title in the Roman Catholic church known as a “Demonologist”. The church may only refer to such individuals whom might duly use that title. But that’s about it.
b) Other Denominations – Through their own church they might be a member of a “deliverance team” or prayer group that works with such cases of infestation, possession. Typically led by an ordained minister, for the title “Christian Demonologist”, it is a title used by few. They may sport such titles such as “Deliverance” Minister”, “Faith Healer”, and more recently “Exorcist”. To summarize, these ministers are more often what is describe here as ‘biblical demonologist’ in their knowledge and skills. We also note that they can not represent all denominations, if they so choose, since they do not have access to the sacraments and the Catholic church, which can limit their client base.
Sadly the larger denominations usually stick with their own. So you don’t see a need to be so diverse, they prefer to “preach to the choir”. When going outside the more organized and well recognized churches, it’s a take of good and bad. The good is more diversity, the bad is a question of validity. And many fly-by-night denomination that are spawn every day from ‘Universal Life Church’ bring no more authority of the Jesus/ the church than you or I would have as ‘Laity’.
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As in the medical field, we will always be learning new things, sure!
In life we are always learning, but does that mean we are never to grow up? Or that children should label themselves as a “parent” and act as such with another child? Name Titles keep it proper perspective for “Others”… OK bad metaphor, but is it not a dangerous thing for a med school student to begin to handle patients like an MD?
and… There is a Real problem with the Novice immediately hurling his/herself into a “demonologist’s” field of work.
A kid in bible college or in training is not ready to handle cases alone. He/she simply does not have the knowledge or experience. Especially working on cases of Hauntings involving children and potential possession cases because of the possibility of mental health. (And.. all true demonic cases are dangerous)
It should be understood that people *DO NOT* consider a “demonologist” is one who merely “studies” demonology plain and simple. That might be a Wikipedia definition, but it is not what the mainstream understands. So we have to look at it from the majority perspective, the popular public view. Not from Webster’s dictionary.
Saying “nothing” helps to confuse and mislead people seeking help or advice as to who is the novice or the veteran.
So, in short, the followers of “Crowley”, should not be confused with followers of “Christ”. To all of you out there. Be forthcoming and honest as to your ‘type’, when the label “demonologist” is applicable. Prefix it with the appropriate word so people will not be confused in what you are or claim to be.
© 2013-2105 Kenneth Deel/ Swords of Saint Michael